Vital Monitoring Device, System, and Method

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure generally relates to a portable vital monitoring system and a method for monitoring an individual&#39;s vitals using a portable vital monitoring system. The portable vital monitoring system includes a stand-alone portable vital monitoring device that allows the individual to detect or measure the individual&#39;s vitals. The stand-alone device includes a plurality of sensing devices for detecting data indicative of the individual&#39;s vitals and generating one or more signals indicative of the vital data. The system also includes a control unit connected to the sensing devices for processing the signal such that the data can be displayed to and understood by the individual. The system also includes a vital monitoring application in wireless communication with the vital monitoring device via a wireless communication module.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/814,084 filed Nov. 15, 2017, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/422,225 filed Nov. 15, 2016, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a portable vital monitoringsystem and method and in particular, to a stand-alone vital monitoringdevice and an associated vital monitoring application accessible on asmart device. A method for monitoring an individual's vitals using thestand-alone vital monitoring device and associated vital monitoringapplication is also provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Health monitoring and vital measuring machines in hospital settings arewell-known. These machines are used to measure or monitor a patient'svitals such as, body temperature, respiratory rate, blood pressure,electrocardiography (electrocardiogram), pulse oximetry, and the like.However, these machines are typically separate from one another suchthat only a single vital is measured at a time and may require up totwelve (12) electrode leads or a number of different sensors to measurea single vital. For instance, the machine for conducting anelectrocardiogram (ECG) requires between three (3) and ten (10)electrodes with exact placement on three (3) and ten (10) points of thepatient's body to detect electrical activity of the heart. If exactplacement of the electrodes is not achieved, then the measurements willbe incorrect which can result in an improper or false diagnosis. Asecond machine would be required to monitor a different vital, such asrespiratory rate or pulse oximetry, which would have its own set ofelectrodes or sensors as well.

The electrodes or sensors for detecting a particular vital, areconnected to the machine through a set of wires, and transmit datarelating to the patient's vitals to the machine for processing andanalysis by the doctor. Additionally, current machines are oftenstationary, bulky, and can be heavy to transport between patient rooms.Accordingly, the patient may be covered in multiple wires and will berestricted to only moving as far as the length of the wiring since themachine cannot be moved.

The machines may also have a display integrated therein or may beattached a separate piece of equipment, equally as bulky, through awired connection. The display shows a graphical or numericalrepresentation of the data obtained by the electrodes. A doctor mayreview the graphical and/or numerical data on the display or may printthe data to analyze and determine if any treatment is necessary. In thepast, the print out of the data was added to the patient's medical file.In recent years, those files have been converted into an electronicmedical records system, which allows the patient's records to beelectronically available on the hospital's individual network.Accordingly, the patient's vital data may be manually or automaticallyadded to the patient's electronic medical records by the doctor or nursewhile measurements are taken, which will then become accessible by anycomputer on the hospital individual network. Alternatively, the machinesmay be directly connected to the hospital's individual network via awired or wireless connection and may transmit the data to the patient'smedical record. However, these records may not be accessible outside ofthat particular hospital/hospital network and may not be accessed by orsent to a third party easily for a medical consult.

These systems and machines are very costly to purchase and maintain. Assuch, each machine's presence is limited and may even require thepatient to travel to different rooms to have each vital monitored.

Further, due to the cost and size of these machines, some medicalclinics cannot afford to purchase and maintain these machines.Accordingly, these medical clinics are unable to monitor such vitals andwould be required to send patients elsewhere to run test or obtaindiagnosis and treatment. As such, valuable time is wasted, not tomention, the costs of running the tests are equally as expensive due tothe size and costs associated with operating and maintaining themachines. Similarly, traveling medical professions who treat armypersonnel, athletes, or individuals in areas of countries that do nothave access to large medical clinics, hospital, or the machines, cannotmonitor such vitals.

Thus, there is a need for a vital monitoring system which is small orcompact, lightweight, portable, inexpensive and cost effective such thatpatients, medical professionals in the field, and small, medium, andlarge clinics or hospitals can easily obtain and access them. Further, avital monitoring system is needed that provides a way for third partiesto easily access the patient's data in the event a medical consult isrequired.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure provides for a vital monitoring device. Thedevice includes a control unit enclosed in a housing. The control unitincludes a microprocessor provided on a circuit board having a pluralityof channels for receiving and processing sensor data. Each of theplurality of channels is coupled to the microprocessor. The devicefurther includes a plurality of sensors coupled to the control unit andoperable for obtaining at least three vitals from a user including pulseoximetry, electrocardiogram (ECG), and skin temperature. Each of theplurality of sensors is coupled to at least one of the plurality ofchannels and operable for generating signals indicative of the obtainedvitals. The control unit further includes a wireless communicationmodule coupled to the microprocessor. The wireless communication moduleis adapted to transmit vital data obtained by the plurality of sensorsto a remote application or remote server. In one example, the pluralityof sensors include a pulse oximetry sensor, an ECG sensor, and atemperature sensor, and each of the pulse oximetry sensor, ECG sensor,and temperature sensor are electronically coupled to a separate anddistinct channel formed on the circuit board.

The present disclosure further provides for a system for vitalmonitoring of a user. The system includes a vital monitoring devicehaving: (i) a control unit enclosed in a housing, the control unitincluding a microprocessor provided on a circuit board having aplurality of channels for receiving and processing sensor data, each ofthe plurality of channels coupled to the microprocessor; (ii) aplurality of sensors coupled to the control unit and operable forobtaining at least three vitals from a user including pulse oximetry,electrocardiogram (ECG), and skin temperature, wherein each of theplurality of sensors is coupled to at least one of the plurality ofchannels and operable for generating signals indicative of the obtainedvitals; and (iii) a wireless communication module coupled to themicroprocessor, wherein the wireless communication module is adapted totransmit vital data obtained by the plurality of sensors. The systemfurther includes a remote application hosted on a remote device operablefor wirelessly communicating with the vital monitoring device andreceiving the vital data transmitted by the wireless communicationmodule. A graphical user interface is provided on the remote applicationand adapted to display vital data obtained by the vital monitoringdevice. In one example, the plurality of sensors are each accessible onthe exterior surface of the housing at separate sensor locationsincluding a first finger depression sized and shaped to receive a firstfinger of the user, a second finger depression sized and shaped toreceive a second finger of the user, and a third finger placementlocation sized and shaped to receive a third finger of the user.

The present disclosure further provides for a method of monitoring vitaldata of an individual. The method includes the steps of: (a) placing avital monitoring device, as described above, in contact with a body ofan individual; (b) obtaining pulse oximetry, ECG, and temperature vitaldata of the user using the vital monitoring device; (c) transmitting thevital data to a mobile application through the wireless communicationmodule; (d) graphically displaying the vital information to the userthrough the remote application; and (e) optionally transmitting vitalmonitoring data to a remote server.

The aspects of the present disclosure present various advantages overcurrent systems. For instance, the vital monitoring system offers aportable, small, compact, accessible, and cost effective solution toissues associated with current vital measuring machines. The system alsoprovides the ability to use a single device to measure or detectmultiple types of an individual's vitals. Further, the system providesthe ability to access and analyze the vital data easily and in real-timethrough a vital monitoring application, wirelessly transmit the vitaldata to a server, generate intervention alerts generated by machinelearning algorithm using vital, physical, diet and habits/addiction dataof the individual and access analyses from a remote location byauthorized users and by the individual.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other aspects of the present disclosure will become better understood byreference to the following description when considered in connectionwith the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a portable vital monitoring system inaccordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is another block diagram of a portable vital monitoring system inaccordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A illustrates a portable vital monitoring device of a portablevital monitoring system in an unwired state in accordance with an aspectof the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B illustrates a portable vital monitoring device of a portablevital monitoring system in a wired state in accordance with an aspect ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a control unit of a portable vitalmonitoring system in accordance with an aspect of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a control unit with a temperature sensor inaccordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6A illustrates example wristband electrodes of a portable vitalmonitoring device in accordance with an aspect of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 6B illustrates example gel electrodes that are disposable andremovable from the wristbands in accordance with an aspect of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 7A shows a circuit diagram for a microcontroller included in acontrol unit of a portable vital monitoring device in accordance with anaspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7B shows a circuit diagram for a pulse oxy emitter provided for acontrol unit of a portable vital monitoring device in accordance with anaspect of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 7C and 7D show a circuit diagram for an ECG sensor for a controlunit of a portable vital monitoring device in accordance with an aspectof the present disclosure;

FIG. 7E shows a circuit diagram for a temperature sensor for a controlunit of a portable vital monitoring device in accordance with an aspectof the present disclosure;

FIG. 7F shows a circuit diagram for a power configuration for a controlunit of a portable vital monitoring device in accordance with an aspectof the present disclosure;

FIGS. 8A-8E are examples of illustrations for various graphical userinterfaces of an application for monitoring an individual's vitals inaccordance with an aspect of the present disclosure where FIG. 8A showsa connection screen, FIG. 8B shows measurements for a main displayinterface, FIG. 8C shows graphical representations of heart activity,FIG. 8D shows a patient identification interface, FIG. 8E a patientspecific monitoring interface, and FIG. 8F shows another patient maindisplay interface;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method for monitoring an individual's vitalsusing a portable vital monitoring system in accordance with an aspect ofthe present disclosure;

FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate an example dedicated vital monitoring deviceaccording to the present disclosure where FIG. 10A is a perspectivefront view of the dedicated device, FIG. 10B is a side and front faceview of the dedicated device, FIG. 10C is a perspective view in use withfingers of a user of the dedicated device, and FIG. 10D illustrates adisassembled view of the dedicated device;

FIG. 11 a block diagram of a portable vital monitoring system inaccordance with an aspect of the present disclosure for obtaining andtransmitting ECG vital information;

FIG. 12A a block diagram of a portable vital monitoring system inaccordance with an aspect of the present disclosure for obtaining andtransmitting pulse oximetry vital information;

FIG. 12B is a schematic showing a pulse oximetry sensor in use with afinger of a user;

FIG. 13 illustrates a schematic for a personal and wearable vitalmonitoring system according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an example system of use of a wearabledevice according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 15 is a further example of a block diagram of a system of use of awearable device according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

Detailed aspects of the present disclosure are provided herein; however,it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplaryand may be embodied in various and alternative forms. It is not intendedthat these aspects illustrate and describe all possible forms of thedisclosure. Rather, the words used in the specification are words ofdescription rather than limitation, and it is understood that variouschanges may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of thedisclosure. As those of ordinary skill in the art will understand,various features of the present disclosure as illustrated and describedwith reference to any of the Figures may be combined with featuresillustrated in one or more other Figures to produce examples of thepresent disclosure that are not explicitly illustrated or described. Thecombinations of features illustrated provide representative examples fortypical applications. However, various combinations and modifications ofthe features consistent with the teachings of the present disclosure maybe desired for any particular applications or implementations.Additionally, the features and various implementing embodiments may becombined to form further examples of the disclosure.

The aspects of the present disclosure provide for a portable vitalmonitoring system and a method for monitoring an individual's vitalsusing a portable vital monitoring system. The portable vital monitoringsystem includes a stand-alone portable vital monitoring device thatallows a doctor or the individual themselves to detect or measure theindividual's vitals. In doing so, the stand-alone device includes two ormore sensing devices, such as electrodes, a sensor, or another sensingdevice, for detecting data indicative of the individual's vitals andgenerating one or more signals indicative of the vital data. Theportable vital monitoring system also includes a control unit connectedto the sensing devices for processing the signal such that the data canbe displayed to and understood by the doctor or individual. Theindividual's vitals measurements/data include electrocardiogram (ECG),pulse oximetry, and skin temperature. The stand-alone device is compact,lightweight, low-power, and cost effective, as the device costs around$5 or less to manufacture.

The portable vital monitoring system also includes a vital monitoringapplication that is accessible and compatible with any smart device,such as a smart phone, a tablet, a smart watch, a computer, laptop, orthe like. The stand-alone device is in wireless communication with thevital monitoring application via a wireless communication protocol, suchas BLUETOOTH®, BLUETOOTH® Low Energy, ZIGBEE®, WLAN, 3G/4G, or the like,of a smart device and transmits the signal indicative of vital data tothe vital monitoring application for display and analysis in real-time.The vital monitoring application has multiple graphical user interfacesfor graphically and numerically displaying the data obtained from thesensing devices. The vital monitoring application employs a machinelearning algorithm that is configured to provide early interventionalerts for long-term users by analyzing data transmitted from two ormore data channels, two or more channels may include ECG, pulseoximetry, activity, position, respiratory rate, galvanic skin response,perspiration, sleep patterns, global positioning, metabolic parameters,stress, skin temperature, physical activity, diet or habits/addiction.The machine learning algorithm analyzes and compares the data from thecombination of two or more channels, one or more vital sensors, and/orone or physical activity, diet and habits/addition recordings todetermine if any abnormality exist. For example, from the ECG obtained,the algorithm would alert heart rate, rhythm, if it is symptomatic ofAtrial fibrillation (Afib), or Premature ventricular contractions(PVCs). In another example, the heart rate obtained from an ECG andpulse oximetry would be compared and if it were abnormal, data fromblood pressure, activity, habits and temperature would then beconsidered for further analysis. The portable vital monitoring systemmay also include a server in communication with the vital monitoringapplication. The server is designed to store the data relating to theindividual's vitals, and is equipped with control logic for analyzingthe data to determine changes, patterns or anomalies in the individual'svitals, in real-time or in the future from past stored data. The vitalmonitoring application can alert the individual or the doctor in theevent an anomaly is detected. The server may also transmit theindividual's vital data to a remote location, such as a hospital ormedical clinic, for review by a doctor or another medical professional.

As it will become readily apparent to one skilled in the art, theportable vital monitoring system and method offers a lightweight, small,compact, and cost effective solution to current vital measuringmachines.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a portable vital monitoring system 10 inaccordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. As discussed above,the portable vital monitoring system 10 is designed to easily measureand/or detect two or more of an individual's vitals, such aselectrocardiogram (ECG) (i.e., electrical activity in the individual'sheart), pulse oximetry (i.e., levels of oxygen in the individual'sblood), skin temperature, and the like, using a single device. Theportable vital monitoring system 10 is also designed to easily displayand analyze the individual's vitals such that appropriate treatment maybe provided to the individual. The portable vital monitoring system 10may be used by one or more medical professional, such as doctors ornurses, a third-party caregiver, the individual, or a combinationthereof.

The portable vital monitoring system 10 includes a stand-alone portablevital monitoring device 12 and a vital monitoring application 14 incommunication with the stand-alone portable vital monitoring device 12.The stand-alone device 12 detects and processes data indicative of theindividual's vitals, while the vital monitoring application 14 organizesand displays the data indicative of the individual's vitals on a smartdevice for review and analysis by the medical professional, athird-party caregiver, the individual, or a combination thereof. Theportable vital monitoring system 10 may further include a server 16 alsoin communication with the vital monitoring application 14. Additionally,the server 16 stores the data indicative of the individual's vitals andmay further analyze the data to determine, changes, patterns oranomalies in the individual's health.

The stand-alone portable vital monitoring device 12 includes two or moresensing devices 20 configured to be disposed on or around theindividual's body or skin. In one aspect of the present disclosure,device 12 includes at least 3 sensing devices 20 operable for measuringskin temperature, heart-related vital data, and pulse oximetry. Forpurposes of this application, the term “individual” is synonymous andinterchangeable with the terms “user” and/or “patient”. The sensingdevices 20 detect events that occur within the individual's body andgenerates an output signal indicative of the detected events (i.e.,vital data and information).

The sensing devices 20 may include two electrodes 30 for detectingelectrical changes (e.g., voltage, current changes) in the individual'sheartbeat pattern. To detect these changes the electrodes 30 are placedin physical contact with an individual, ideally the individual's skin.The electrodes 30 can be incorporated into wearable devices, as shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B, which are each placed on the individual. For example,the wearable devices may be adjustable wristbands 32 that are placedaround the individual's wrist. One skilled in the art appreciates thatthe wristbands are an example of a type of wearable device and is notmeant to be limiting as other wearable devices may be employed.

The sensing devices 20 may include a pulse oximetry sensor having a pairof light-emitting diodes and a photodetector (i.e., photodiode) fordetecting the absorption of light against the individual's skin todetermine the individual's blood oxygen levels. The pulse oximetrysensor is operable for measuring the oxygen saturation within theindividual's blood and can generate a signal indicative of the same. Thecircuit configuration of the pulse oximetry sensor is shown in FIG. 7B.Like the electrodes 30, the pulse oximetry sensor 36 can be incorporatedinto a wearable device, such as those shown in FIG. 3A. For instance,the sensor may be incorporated into an adjustable finger band 34 or apulse oximeter box 36 that receives the individual's finger. One skilledin the art appreciates that the finger band 34 or pulse oximeter box 36are examples of types of wearable devices and is not meant to belimiting as other wearable devices may be employed.

The sensing devices 20 can further include a temperature sensor 33consisting of a thermistor for measuring skin temperature of theindividual. The temperature sensor 33 is operable to generate a signalindicative of the same. In an aspect of the present disclosure, thetemperature sensor 33 may be integrated into a control unit 22, which isdescribed in further detail below and is shown in FIG. 5. A circuitschematic for control unit 22 is shown in FIG. 7A. In an alternativeaspect, the temperature sensor 33 may be integrated into either awristband 32 with the electrodes 30 or a finger band with the pulseoximetry sensor 36.

In one example of the present disclosure, a control unit 22 iselectrically connected to two or more sensing devices 20. In anotheraspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 22 is electricallyconnected to two or more sensing devices through a wired connection, asshown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Outputs of the sensing devices 20 areconnected to inputs of the control unit 22. In yet another aspect, thesensing devices 20 may have wireless communication modules, such asBLUETOOTH®, WLAN, or another wireless communication technology known inthe communication field, and thus may be able to wireless connect to thecontrol unit 22 to transmit signals. In yet a further embodiment,control unit 22 is coupled to at least three sensing devices 20.

The control unit 22 is operable to receive and process signals obtainedfrom the sensing devices 20. Specifically, the control unit 22 includesone or more individualized circuits and a microprocessor for analyzing,filtering, and converting the signals from the sensing devices 20. Thisincludes converting signals from analog and digital signals. In oneexample, a power supply 24 is connected to and powers the control unit22. The power supply 24 can be any battery including a 3V cell or othertype. In one form, the portable vital monitoring device 12 can operateon low-power and under less than 1 mA. As such, there is little to noharm associated with electrical contact to the individual's body inusing the device 12.

In yet another example, the microprocessor of the control unit 22 isalso equipped with a wireless communication protocol, such asBLUETOOTH®, BLUETOOTH® Low Energy (BLE), or the like, and can transmitthe converted digital signals to a BLUETOOTH® or wireless enableddevice. The control unit 22 of the portable vital monitoring device 12is operable to wirelessly communicate with a vital monitoringapplication 14 and transmit the converted digital signals to the vitalmonitoring application 14 for display on any device including smartdevice, so data can be reviewed by a medical professional, third party,and/or the individual. According to the present disclosure, the vitalmonitoring application 14 can be a mobile application and can be madeaccessible and compatible with any operating system of variousweb-enabled smart devices and may be downloaded onto the smart device.The smart devices may include, but are not limited to, a smart phone, asmart watch, a tablet, a computer, laptop, and the like.

The vital monitoring application 14 may employ a machine learningalgorithm configured to provide early intervention alerts for long-termusers by analyzing data coming from a combination of two or morechannels, one or more vital sensors, and one or more physical activity,diet and habits/addiction recordings. The vital monitoring application14 includes various graphical user interfaces to display graphicaland/or numeric representation of the signals obtained from the sensingdevices 20. For instance, each vital detected by the sensing devices 20can have its own graphical user interface. For example, there may be anECG graphical interface for displaying the electrical activity of theindividual's heart, a pulse oximetry graphical interface for theindividual's pulse oximetry levels, and a skin temperature graphicalinterface for displaying the individual's body temperature. The vitalmonitoring application 14 is described in greater detail below withreference to FIGS. 8A-8E.

In yet a further example, an ambient temperature sensor (not shown) isprovided and included in the device 12 coupled to control unit 22. Whentemperature data is obtained, collected and processed, a comparison ofthe ambient and body temperature of the user can be compared to identifyhigh risk environmental conditions. For example, if the user is involvedin a high stress environment, such as a fire fighter, the temperaturedifference between body temperature and ambient temperature can betracked and monitored to determine warning signals for high risk anddangerous conditions.

In one example, the vital monitoring application 14 is in communicationwith the server 16. The vital monitoring application 14 may upload andtransmit the graphical and numerical representation of the individual'svital data to the server 16 through an internet, broadband, or dataconnection such as 3G, 4G, LTE or the like. The server 16 can be a cloudnetwork server and can be provided to medical professionals, third-partycaregivers, or individuals that utilize the vital monitoring application14. The server 16 can also be a secured network and encrypted tomaintain privacy of the individual's vital data uploaded and transmittedto the server 16.

In an example, the server 16 has a central processing unit (not shown)equipped with one or more processors (not shown) for reviewing andanalyzing the individual's vital data uploaded to the server 16 and oneor more memory storage mediums (not shown) for storing the individual'svital data for real-time and/or future analysis. The processors areprogrammed with control logic for performing analysis on theindividual's vital data stored therein. To do so, the vital data isreviewed and may be compared against newly uploaded data to detect ifany, change, event, or anomaly has occurred. If an event or an anomalyis detected, the server 16 generates an alert and transmits the alert tothe vital mobile application 14.

FIG. 2 is also a block diagram that includes additional aspects toFIG. 1. Particularly, FIG. 2 shows that the sensing devices 20 are incontact with an individual 26 as discussed above. Additionally, FIG. 2shows the server 16 may also communicate with and transmit theindividual's vital data to a third party 28, such as other medicalprofessionals or a hospital, at a remote location from the individual26. Communication may occur through an internet, broadband, or dataconnection discussed above. This enables the third party 28 to reviewthe individual's vital data in a remote location for medical purposes,such as a second opinion or a medical consultation from a specialistwith expertise in a particular location different from where theindividual is located. For example, an individual 28 and a doctor in SriLanka can transmit the individual's 26 vitals measurements taken fromthe stand-alone device 12 through the server 16 to a doctor (third party28) in the United States for a medical consultant. In another example, adoctor, who is on vacation, may receive updates on his/herpatient/individual 26 whose vitals are being measured by the device 12at the hospital. The vital data may be transmitted from the server 16 toa smart device equipped with the vital monitoring application 14 oralternatively, to a hospital's electronic medical records system. In oneform, the third party 28 would have to be authorized by the individual26 or his/her doctor to view the vital data. One skilled in the artappreciates the network is designed to be fully secure and in compliancewith the same standards associated with security in electronic medicalrecords.

FIGS. 3A-3B are illustrations of a portable vital monitoring device 12of a portable vital monitoring system 10 in accordance with an aspect ofthe present disclosure as discussed in FIG. 1. FIG. 3A shows a portablevital monitoring device 12 in an unwired state. FIG. 3B shows a portablevital monitoring device 12 in a wired state. As discussed in FIG. 1, theportable vital monitoring device 12 has two or more sensing devices 20.The sensing devices 20 includes two (FIG. 3A) or three (FIG. 3B)electrodes 30, each of which are incorporated into a wearable device 32.In the example of the wristband, each wristband 32 with its ownelectrode 30 is placed around the individual's wrist to detect vitaldata and particularly, ECG measurements. The electrodes 30 are alsoshown in FIG. 3B. Specifically, the first electrode 30 may be used forthe right arm, the second electrode 30 may be used for the left arm, andthe third electrode 35 may be used as a reference to eliminate thecommon-mode voltage which may be placed proximate to the first or secondelectrode 30 or on another part of the individual's body.

The sensing devices may 20 also include a sensor incorporated into afinger band 34 for measuring pulse oximetry levels of the individual.The finger band 34 is placed around the individual's finger such thatthe sensor is adjacent or is proximate to the individual. Alternatively,as shown in FIG. 3B, the finger band 34 may be replaced with a pulseoximetry box 36. The electrodes 30 and sensor (not shown) each have anoutput (also not shown) for receiving a wire or cable. Otheralternatives may include a sensor for skin-based reflective measurementof pulse oximetry as well an electrode with a single lead and “phantom”or a virtual second lead for ECG measurements. The electrodes 30 asshown in both FIGS. 3A and 3B can be dry reusable electrodes, which areincorporated into the wristbands 32, as shown in FIG. 6A, or can be gelelectrodes that are disposable and removable from the wristbands, asshown in FIG. 6B.

The portable vital monitoring device 12 further includes a control unit22, as described above in FIG. 1, which will be described in more detailin FIGS. 4-7F. The control unit 22 includes a housing 38, which isrelatively small and compact, and a set of inputs 40, 42 for receivingwires from the sensing devices 20 or will have the sensing devicesincorporated within it. As shown in FIG. 3B, the electrodes 30 each havean output 44 and the pulse oximetry box 36 has an output 46 that isconnected through cables 48 and 50, respectively. In operation, when thesensing devices 20 are in contact with, or proximate to, the individualand detect his/her vital data, one or more signals indicative of thevital data is generated and transmitted through the cables to thecontrol unit 22 for processing. The body temperature sensor 33 could beincorporated into one of the wristbands 32 or finger band 34.Alternatively, the temperature sensor 33 may be incorporated into thecontrol unit 22, as shown in FIG. 5 and accessed by placing on a user'sbody and touching it with the user's finger.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a control unit 22 of a portable vitalmonitoring system 10 in accordance with an aspect of the presentdisclosure. The control unit 22 is designed to receive and read thesignals indicated from vital data from each of three sensing devices,amplify the signals, filter the signals to remove unwanted frequenciesand reduce background noise, and convert the signals from analog todigital. The control unit 22 includes a microprocessor 52, a pulseoximetry circuit 54, an ECG circuit 56, a temperature circuit 58, and apower supply and battery circuit 60. The housing 38 surrounds andprotects the microprocessors 52 and circuits 54, 56, 58, and 60. Thecircuit diagrams/configurations of the microprocessor 52 and circuits54, 56, 58, and 60 are shown in FIGS. 4-7F. As discussed above, othersensors such as, but not limited, to the temperature sensor may beincorporated into or onto the control unit 22. Further, it isappreciated by one skilled in the art that other circuitry may also beincluded in the control unit 22, depending on the vital data beingobtained, and is not limited to pulse oximeter, ECG, and temperaturecircuitry as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7A-7F. Each circuit associated with asensor input includes a separate channel for receiving the sensor dataand communicating with the microprocessor. In a further embodiment, morethan three channels are provided to allow for additional sensor datafrom additional sensors.

As shown in greater detail in FIG. 7A, the microprocessor 52 may haveone or more wireless, wired, or any combination thereof of communicationports to communicate with external resources as well as various inputand output (I/O) ports. For instance, input ports 90 for receivingoutput signals from the pulse oximetry, ECG, and temperature circuits,and outputs for any LED's used as indicator lights. The microprocessor52 may be equipped with a BLUETOOTH® communication protocol chip 53,such as a BLE chip. However, in an alternative aspect, themicroprocessor may be equipped with and utilizes other wirelesscommunication protocols. The microprocessor may include hardware orsoftware control logic to enable management of the microprocessor 52including, but not limited to, converting the signals indicative ofvital data from analog to digital signals for output to the vitalmonitoring application. The converted signals can be transmitted to thevital monitoring application 14 through the BLE chip 53. Themicroprocessor 52 may also have any combination of memory storage suchas random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM), or electrically erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EEPROM) 55.

Each of the circuits 54, 56, 58, and 60 are electrically connected orare in communication with various input ports of the microprocessor 54.Additionally, the pulse oximetry circuit 54 and ECG circuit 56 areelectrically connected to its corresponding sensing devices.

With respect to the pulse oximetry show in FIG. 7B, the pulse oximetrycircuit 54 receives a signal indicative (in analog form) of vital datarelating to the oxygen saturation within the individual's blood. Thepulse oximetry circuit 54 includes a two-part circuit which has a firstpart 62 that employs two light emitting diodes (LEDs) 64, 66 and asecond part 68 that includes a photodiode 70, an amplifier 72, and acombination of capacitors and resistor 74. The circuit includes LEDs 64,66 of the first part 62 face a photodiode 70 of the second part 68 and aspace 76 is formed there between such that the individual's finger 78fits within the space 76. In determining the individual's pulse oximetrylevels, the light from the LEDs 64, 66, are projected onto a part of theof the body, usually a fingertip or earlobe, or in the case of an infantacross the feet and the amount of light transmitted through theindividual's body is measured. Alternatively, light reflected on thebody may be used instead of light transmitted. In determining thisdifferent types of LEDs 64, 66 are provided. In one example, one of theLEDs 64 is a red LED with a wavelength of 660 nm and the other LED 66 isan infrared LED with a wavelength of 940 nm. Accordingly, the absorptionof light at these wavelengths is different between blood loaded withoxygen and blood lacking oxygen. In particular, oxygenated hemoglobinabsorbs more infrared light and allows more red light to pass throughwhile deoxygenated hemoglobin allows more infrared light to pass throughand absorbs more red light. In operation, the LEDs 64, 66 are powered byand sequenced using an LED driver circuit 80 that turns one LED ON, thenthe other LED ON, and then both OFF for a predetermined period of time,such as twenty times per second or 20 HZ. For example, the red LED is ONwhile the IR LED is OFF, then the red LED is OFF while the IR LED is ON,and then both LEDs 64, 66 are ON. The amount of light transmitted by theLEDs 64, 66 that is not absorbed is measured and converted into a signal(current) by the photodiode 70 to produce an output signal indicative ofdata relating to the level of oxygen in the individual's blood. In oneexample, the LEDS 64, 66 and the photodiode 70 can be located in a pulseoximeter box or a finger band and the rest of the circuit shown in FIG.7B is located in control unit 22. The output signal is amplified andfiltered through the second part 68 of the pulse oximetry circuit 54.The output 82 of the circuit 62 and 68 is in communication with an inputof the microprocessor 52 and transmits the output signal there between.The output signal is converted into a digital signal in themicroprocessor 52 and will eventually be transmitted to the application14, shown in FIGS. 8A-8E, through BLE communication or the like.

FIGS. 7C and 7D show an example circuit schematic of the ECG circuit 56in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. The ECG circuit56 has two inputs 94, 96 for receiving analog signals indicative ofvital data relating to the electrical activity in the individual's heartfrom two electrodes. The ECG circuit 56 also has an ECG front endportion 98 for amplifying the analog signals consisting of a pluralityof amplifiers, and a series of capacitors and resistors and an offsetcorrection portion 100 for correcting the voltage of output signal andconsisting of a plurality of amplifiers and a series of capacitors andresistors. In one example, a 50 Hz twin T highQ notch filter 102 forremoving a single frequency from the signal is also present. The notchfilter 102 rejects a single band of frequencies and allows all otherfrequencies to pass through the filter. The ECG circuit 56 furtherincludes a low pass filter 104 for removing frequencies above a cutofffrequency. Accordingly, an output signal is generated and received by aninput of the microprocessor 54, shown in FIG. 7A and is eventuallytransmitted to the application 14, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8E.

A temperature circuit 58 is shown in FIG. 7E. The temperature circuit 58includes a serial data (SDA) 110, a serial clock (SCL) 112, a ground 116for adjusting signal levels, an infrared thermometer 114 for temperaturesensing and transmitting the signal indicative of data relating to skintemperature to the microprocessor 54. FIG. 7F shows a power supply andbattery circuit 60 and a switch circuit 61, which includes a powersupply splitter 120 for allowing a defined amount of power to be used inECG circuit 56 and a battery holder 122 for receiving a battery (e.g.,3V cell battery) to power the control unit 22. The switch circuit 61 isutilized to power OFF and/or reset the device for enhanced power saving.Additionally, while not explicitly discussed above, each circuit shownin FIGS. 7A-7F includes one or more ground elements for providing acommon turn path for electric current.

Again, it is appreciated by one skilled in the art that the circuitrydiscussed above is not limiting and may include, or may be adjusted toinclude, circuitry for different vitals or measurements in addition toECG, pulse oximeter, and skin temperature.

FIGS. 8A-8F are examples of illustrations of multiple graphical userinterfaces of a vital monitoring application 14, accessible via a smartdevice, for monitoring, processing, storing, and/or storing anindividual's vitals in accordance with an aspect of the presentdisclosure. As discussed above, the portable vital monitoring system 10includes a vital monitoring application 14 that communicates with thevital monitoring device 12 via BLE communication protocol or the likeand receives one or more digital signals indicative of the individual'svital data. The application 14 is designed to and is programmed withsoftware control logic to analyze the digital signals of vital data anddisplay the vital data in graphical and/or numeric form on a smartdevice for view by a user, such as the individual, third-partycaregiver, medical professional, or a third party located in a remotelocation. The application 14 is compatible and is downloadable on anysmart device, such as a smart phone, smart watch, tablet, computer,laptop, or the like. The application 14 may be stored in memory of thesmart device and accessed through an icon on the display of the smartdevice.

The application 14 is also operable to communicate with a remote serverthrough an internet, broadband, and/or data communication, as describedpreviously. The communications between the application and the servercan be encrypted or made secure such that another user of theapplication 14 cannot access the individual's vital data without theirpermission.

The application 14 may have various graphical user interfaces, as shownin FIGS. 8A-8F, to operate the application 14 and review the vital dataobtained by a stand-alone vital monitoring device. In an example, thegraphical user interfaces may include a scanning interface 150 as shownin FIG. 8A. The scanning interface 150 includes a scan button 152 thatwhen engaged searches for the stand-alone vital monitoring device viaBLE communication protocol to connect the device to the application 14.Specifically, the application 14 uses the BLUETOOTH®-communicationprotocol on the smart device to detect the BLE chip in the control unitof the vital monitoring device to connect the application 14 and vitalmonitoring device for transmitting data there between. It will beappreciated by one skilled in the art that other wireless communicationprotocols known in the art may be used as an alternative to BLUETOOTH®.Once the application 14 and vital monitoring device are connected, oneor more signals indicative of the individual's vital data can betransmitted in real-time continuously or over a predetermined period oftime.

In an example when application 14 and vital monitoring device areconnected, a main display interface 154 is provided, where the user canview a list 156 of each vital 158 measured by the vital monitoringdevice. The list 156 may include the type of vital 158 such as ECG,pulse IR, and temperature with an associated numerical or graphicalrepresentation of the measurement obtained from the individual. Eachtype of vital 158 on the main display interface 154 may be a button thatwhen selected displays graphical interface that shows the selected vitaldata in a graph form. For example, if a medical profession selects anECG button on the main display interface 154 in FIG. 8B, then theapplication 14 will display the graph interface 162 showing a graphicalrepresentation of the individual's heart activity, as shown in FIG. 8C.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, as disclosed in FIG. 8D,the application 14 may have a patient identification (ID) interface 164,where the user would enter a patient's identification (ID) number 166associated with the individual to access their vital data. The IDinterface 164 may be used in multiple settings. For instance, if adoctor is taking the individual's vitals in a hospital setting, thedoctor can use the portable vital monitoring device to obtain the vitaldata and then use a smart device, such as a smart phone or tablet, toview the results after they have entered the individual's patient IDnumber. In another instance, a third party located at a remote locationfrom the individual may have access and can view the individual's vitaldata after they have entered the patient ID number.

Once the patient ID number is entered, interfaces (FIGS. 8E and 8F)similar to the interfaces shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C can be viewed. Inparticular, FIG. 8E shows another example of a graphical interface 162with a graphical representation 168 of the vital data, a numericalrepresentation 170 of the vital data, a pause/resume button 174 forreviewing a particular portion of the vital data, and a save button 176for storing and uploading the vital data to a server. Similarly, FIG. 8Fshows another example of a main display interface 154, which includesindividual or patient details 178 and identifying information such astheir age, gender, height, and weight, as well as a history 180 of theirpast vital data. As such, the user will be able to view the individual'svital data in real-time as well as have access to view their past vitaldata for determining treatment and for detecting any anomalies orchanges in their vital data. The application 14 may also display analert when an anomaly or change in vital data is detected.

It will be readily appreciated by one skilled in the art that variousother interfaces of the application 14 are within the scope of thepresent application. Accordingly, there may also be a registrationinterface where the user provides identifying information to registerand log-in to the application 14. In one example, only the userregistered will be able to view the vital data displayed on theapplication 14. If a medical professional or a third party is registeredto the application 14, then they may have access to the individual'svital data after the individual authorizes them to view the data.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method for monitoring an individual's vitalsusing a portable vital monitoring system in accordance with an aspect ofthe present disclosure. The portable vital monitoring system includesthe same components described above in FIGS. 1-6E. The method includesproviding a portable vital monitoring device and an associated vitalmonitoring application 200 and positioning two or more sensing deviceson an individual's body or skin to obtain measurements of two or more ofthe individual's vitals 202. For example, two wristbands each equippedwith an electrode are placed around the individual's wrist, and theindividual's finger is inserted in a finger band or a pulse oximeterbox. The sensing devices then detect or measure the individual's vitals204 and generate one or more analog signals indicative of the vital data206.

The signals are transmitted to the control unit where they are processedand converted from analog signals into digital signals 208. Processingmay include amplifying and filtering the signal. Once the signals areconverted into a digital signal 208, the control unit may transmit thesignals to the vital monitoring application for review using BLEcommunication protocol or the like 210. The vital data is read anddisplayed on the vital monitoring application in a numerical and/orgraphical form 212.

The method may further include transmitting the vital data from theapplication to the server for storage 214 and storing the vital data onthe server 216. The server can analyze the stored data for changes oranomalies in the vital data 218. If a change or anomaly is detected 218,then the server can generate an alert and transmit the alert to theapplication for display to the user 220.

Referring to FIGS. 10A-10D, another example of a dedicated vitalmonitoring system and device is shown. Device 300 is a stand-alone,dedicated vital monitoring device and includes a housing 302 which canalso be referred to as a case or casing 302 for enclosing internalcomponents such as a circuit board, microprocessor, and a plurality ofsensors. In this example, housing 302 defines a circular geometryforming a disc-like structure having a thickness extending from a face304 to a back side 306. A side portion 305 extends around a perimeter ofthe circular face 304 and back side 306 forming the enclosure. In oneexample, the device 300 forms a cylindrical disk having a diameter ofabout 55 mm and a height of about 20 mm.

In this example, the face 304 defines a pair of sensor sections shown asfirst finger depression 307 and second finger depression 308 sized andshaped to receive two fingers from a user as shown in FIG. 10C. Firstfinger depression 307 is a pulse oximetry finger depression having apulse oximetry sensor 310 provided therein. Pulse oximetry sensor 310 isprovided within the housing 302 and exposed through an opening 311defined in the first depression 307. In this example, a lightguidewindow is provided to allow operability of the sensor 310 to transmitand receive signals that engage with a first finger F1 of a user. Secondfinger depression 308 is sized and shaped to receive a different fingerfrom the user. A temperature sensor 312 is disposed within thedepression and operable to measure skin temperature of the user. Theposition of the temperature sensor 312 within second depression 308 canbe selected according to a sufficient location for adequate physicalcontact with the skin of the user. Temperature sensor 312 is accessiblethrough an opening 313 formed on second finger depression 308. Alightguide window can also be provided in opening 313 to allowtemperature sensor 312 to engage with a second finger F2 of a user.Temperature sensor 312 can be a contactless temperature sensor.

Positioned further into the second finger depression 308 is a firstelectrode 314 operable to contact a second finger F2 of the user. Firstelectrode 314 is accessible through an opening 315 formed on a surfaceof the second finger depression 308. The first electrode 314 works witha second electrode 316 positioned on side portion 305. In this example,the second electrode 316 is provided in a third finger depression 309.Finger depression 309 is sized and shaped to receive a finger of theuser from an opposite hand from the fingers used in the first and secondfinger depressions 307 and 308. First and second electrodes 314 and 316are coupled to an interior circuit board 320 and a microprocessor 322.First and second electrodes 314 and 316 can be silver electrodes.

The microprocessor 322 can obtain signals form the sensors associatedwith vital data of the user, process that data, and communicate througha communication module or protocol with a remote server and/or a mobiledevice and/or a mobile application. The data can be further be storedand processed by the microprocessor 322. In a further embodiment, theprocessed data can be included into a machine learning algorithm tostudy user vital history. The machine learning can then provide realtime or near real time alerts and notifications to a user associatedwith vitals. In yet another embodiment, data is transmitted to a mobileapplication which is hosted on a mobile device through a wirelesscommunication protocol or module. The data is then processed andconverted into information to be displayed through a graphical userinterface on the mobile device through the mobile application as shownin FIGS. 8A-8F.

Device 300 can include similar components as discussed with respect tothe flow diagram of FIGS. 1-2. Accordingly, a device 300 can becomparable in term of function as the control unit 22 and can include apower source 24 coupled to the circuit board of the control unit. Thepower source can a battery sufficient to power the device 300. In afurther example, the power source includes a rechargeable battery.Device 300 can include a switch 313 coupled to the power source forturning the device on and off. In this example, switch 313 is positionedon the side portion 305. A charge port 315 can be provided to allowrecharging of the power source. In this example, the charge port is amicro USB port operable to engage a micro USB charger cord and plug.

In one example, the circuit board 320 can include a mother boardconnected to a battery such as a Lithium Polymer (Li—Po) battery 324.The housing 302 is constructed of two parts, a top 302A and a bottompart 302B that are connected along a perimeter. The housing 302 can beconstructed to allow access to the internal components such as circuitboard 320, microprocessor 322, battery 324 and any of the sensors and/orelectrodes. The ECG electrodes 314 and 316, pulse oximetry sensor 310,and temperature sensor 312 are accessible on the surface of the housing302 and electronically coupled to the circuit board 320. Themicroprocessor 322 serves as the control unit and is mounted on themotherboard 320. In one example, the control unit is operable toamplify, filter, digitize and wirelessly transmit the received signalsfrom sensors. Battery 323 can be any battery including a 3.7 V, 300 mAhLi—Po battery.

FIG. 11 illustrates a flow diagram of the example device 300 in use fordetermining ECG data using a mobile application 14 and remote and/orcloud server 16. ECG is the process of the electrical activity of theheart over a period of time. Electrodes, such as first and secondelectrodes 314 and 316, are placed on the skin to detect the electricalchanges that arise from the heart muscle's electrophysiologic pattern ofdepolarizing and repolarizing during each heartbeat. Device 300 allowsfor placing a user's fingers F2 and F3 on the electrodes 314 and 316through the finger depressions 308 and 309. The voltage differencecreated generates a signal that is then sent to the through the circuitboard 324 to be amplified and filtered (box 326). Then this analogsignal is digitized (box 328) and transmitted via a wireless protocolsuch as BLUETOOTH (box 330). A mobile application 14 associated withdevice 300 can then receive this signal (box 332) and displayinformation (box 334) graphically and numerically. In one example,calculations, such as heart rate and heart rhythm and analysis can bedone at the mobile application itself using the received signals. Whenthe reading is stored in the mobile application, it will be uploaded tothe cloud server for future reference. Deeper analysis (box 336) such asmachine learning to detect arrhythmias and comparing with other channelscan be done on the server side as the data can also be transmitted to aremote server 16 which is in communication with the mobile application14.

Example of device 300 in use includes the steps of turning device 300 onusing the switch 319. Device 300 is then connected the mobileapplication 14. Next, a patient/user will place first finger F1 andsecond finger F2 (from the right hand) into the finger depressions 307and 308 and covering pulse oximetry sensor 310, temperature sensor 312and first electrode 314. Then the patient/user places a finger F3 fromtheir left hand into the depression 309 and contacting electrode 316located on side portion 305. An ECG waveform and heart rate will then bedisplayed on the mobile application graphical user interface. Thesereadings can be uploaded to a remote cloud server for the futurereference and sent to or accessed by a care giver if desired. Apatient's heartrate vital can be calculated and/or approximated based onECG data.

FIGS. 12A-12B illustrate a flow diagram of the example device 300 in usefor determining pulse oximetry data using a mobile application 14 andcloud server 16 and use of a reflective type sensor 310. An importantelement needed to sustain life is oxygen (O2). The measurement andcalculation of the percentage of Oxyhemoglobin (HbO2) in arterial bloodis known as oxygen saturation. Depending on the measurement site, eithera transmissive or a reflective mode can be used. In the transmissivemode, the light sources and photodiode are opposite to each other withthe measurement site between them. In the reflective mode, the lightsources and photodiode are positioned on the same side, and the light isreflected to the photodiode across the measurement site. Example device300, according to the present disclosure, can use the reflective mode(shown in FIG. 12B) to increase the compliance of the device.

Device 300 allows for placing a user's fingers F1 on the sensor 310 infinger depression 307. This generates a signal that is then sent to thethrough the circuit board 324 to be amplified and filtered (box 326).Then this analog signal is digitized (box 328) and transmitted via awireless protocol such as BLUETOOTH (box 330). A mobile application 14associated with device 300 can then receive this signal (box 332) anddisplay information (box 334) graphically and numerically. In oneexample, calculations and analysis can be done at the mobile applicationitself using the received signals. When the reading is stored in themobile application, it will be uploaded to the cloud server for futurereference. Deeper analysis (box 336) such as machine learning to detectarrhythmias and comparing with other channels can be done on the serverside as the data can also be transmitted to a remote server 16 which isin communication with the mobile application 14.

Example of device 300 in use includes the steps of turning device 300 onusing the switch 319. Device 300 is then connected the mobileapplication 14. Next, a patient/user will place first finger F1 from theright hand into the finger depressions 307 and covering pulse oximetrysensor 310 which is exposed through a glass window. Pulse oximetrypercentage (SpO2%) values and pulse waveform will be displayed on mobileapplication 14. Pulse rate can be calculated and be compared with heartrate from ECG (as described above) to ensure the accuracy. Thesereadings can be uploaded to a remote cloud server 16 for the futurereference and sent to or accessed by a care giver if desired.

In addition to ECG and SpO2 measurement, device 300 is further operableto take skin temperature measurement as well. In an example, an infraredtemperature sensor 312 is used to measure the temperature. This sensorinfers temperature from a portion of the thermal radiation emitted bythe skin of a user without a direct contact. When finger F2 is placedover the temperature sensor 312, it measures the temperature and storesin memory as raw data. The microprocessor 322 reads the raw data andinterprets in Fahrenheit. Temperature values can then be displayednumerically on the mobile application 14 and/or be stored in cloudserver 16.

Measurement made by device 300 can be sent to a mobile platformapplication 14 via any wireless communication module or protocol. Thiscan be an off-the-shelf component or built onto the circuit board 320.One example is using a BLUETOOTH or BLUETOOTH Low Energy protocol. Themobile application 14 will receive the data, do the calculations usingan algorithm and display it numerically and graphically. When a usersaves the data in the mobile application 14, it can be uploaded toremote server or cloud server 16 via internet (e.g., Cellular data orWifi).

Example materials available for use in constructing a device 300 can beany materials suitable to achieve the desired results. Silver is asuitable material for the ECG electrodes. Various glass materialsincluding acrylic glass are sufficient for a pulse oximetry window. Thehousing 302 can be constructed of most plastic materials including butnot limited to polycarbonate or various combinations of polycarbonatesuch as polycarbonate+acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC+ABS). In oneexample, device 300 is provided in a pouch having a zipper forconvenient user access.

In a further aspect of the vital monitoring system of the presentdisclosure, the system includes monitoring other activities associatedwith the user including but not limited to any physical activity, diet,habit/addiction related activities, sleep patterns, among others, andcombinations thereof, and tracking those activities in the vitalmonitoring application. The system can then employ a machine learningalgorithm that provides early intervention alerts for users by analyzingdata coming from a combination of two or more channels, one or morevital sensors, and/or at least one of the activities described above.

The vital monitoring system of the present disclosure provides for aportable, compact, accessible, and cost effective solution to issuesassociated with current vital measuring options. The system alsoprovides the ability to use a single device to measure or detectmultiple types of an individual's vitals. Further, the system providesthe ability to access and analyze the vital data easily and in real-timethrough a vital monitoring application, wirelessly transmit the vitaldata to a server, generate intervention alerts generated by machinelearning algorithm using vital, physical, diet and habits/addiction dataof the individual and access analyses from a remote location byauthorized users and by the individual.

Another aspect of the vital monitoring system may include a machinelearning algorithm operable to diagnose the issues from an ECG readingtaken from a control unit or vital monitoring device 300. A list ofexample diagnosis that can be made using the system of the presentdisclosure include but not limited to: arrhythmia detection,hyperkalemia, hypercalcemia, Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome, long QTsyndrome, short QT syndrome, Torsades de Pointes, and others.

In yet another aspect of the vital monitoring system of the presentdisclosure includes providing a device with desirable comforting andsoothing features. For example, the device 300 can be constructed with alight which illuminates and changes color to simultaneously sooth andcalm patients and indicate progress of a reading. The light may changefrom red to purple or other colors that may be more culturally relevant.The light on the vital monitoring system may also pulse when a readingis complete, increasing and decreasing the light intensity to provide asoothing effect. In a further example, the device is formed with anouter shape and of a material comforting and soft to provide a morecomforting stimulus to the user. The device may include an outer formthat is soft, warm, and pliable to relieve stress and provide comfort.This reduces what may be a stressful experience of having vitals checkedin stressful situations.

Referring to FIGS. 13-15, another example of the vital monitoring systemof the present disclosure is provided. System 400 is shown having awearable vital monitoring device 410. This device is sized and shaped tofit comfortably on a user. In this example, device 410 is placed near ona chest of a user P to be proximate the user's heart. Device 410includes at least two sensing devices 420 operable for measuring thevitals of a user P. The sensing devices 420 are operable for obtainingvital information from the user P including at least ECG and skintemperature. In a further example, an ambient temperature sensor isincluded in device 410 to provide for risk management and monitoring bycomparing changes to ambient temperature as it compares to skintemperature of the user P.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 13, a remote indicator 430 is usedsuch as a light, buzzer, haptic or display that alerts the user in caseof abnormalities in vital health or high risk situations. This featuremay be helpful for users who work in extreme conditions when they cannoteasily view the vital monitoring application on a corresponding smartdevice. The vital monitoring device 410 can be placed in proximity tothe skin of a user P (Ex: at chest), an indicator 430 can be attached toanywhere the user P can see or hear or feel (Ex: Face mask, helmet,watch). When vital readings are abnormal, an indicator 430 will alertthe user P through some sort of suitable stimulus such as physical,auditory, and/or visual. While the remote indicator 430 is giving analert to the user P, vitals can simultaneously be monitored by the vitalmonitoring application 14 as well. For example, a fire fighter (user P)with a vital monitoring device 410 attached on the chest can get analert 430 via light, buzzer, haptic or display when certain warningsigns or risk factors are present via the monitoring of the user'svitals. So if the change in skin temperature gets too high, the vitalmonitoring application may send a warning signal to the user P that theyare at higher risk of dehydration and thus heart complications. Thisallows for more accurate and real-time safety monitoring. The firefighter's vitals can also be monitored by an onsite safety officer usingthe vital monitoring application who is given access to monitor one ormore users. Additionally, if the monitoring device cannot communicatewith the vital monitoring application, data will be stored until suchconnection can be made. In another example, the present disclosureprovides for a system having a plurality of users transmitting through amobile application their individual vital information to a centralapplication accessibly by a third party user, such as a healthprofessional or a safety officer. The officer can be allowed access tosimultaneously view the vital information of the plurality of users. Itis further contemplated that the third party is able to send indicationsand communicate with each of the plurality of users as they see fit.This can significantly improve safety in high risk environments likepublic safety and fire fighter situations.

FIG. 14 shows an example flow diagram of how the system 400 can beutilized. In this example, the process begins at box 500 where thewearable device is provided to monitor physiological vitals of a user.The process is able to detect heat stress or temperature at box 510,typically through the use of temperature sensors. Measuring heat stressis an indication of dehydration risk. Dehydration risk can lead to box520 as an indication of various cardiovascular strain. This can bemonitored by the ECG and pulse oximetry sensors provided in the vitalmonitoring device. Accordingly, moving to box 530, cardiac events, orrisk of cardiac events, can be predicted.

Referring to FIG. 15, a further example process of the example vitalmonitoring system is shown. The process begins at box 600 where awearable device is provided for physiological monitoring. Based on theobtained sensor results, the vital data is analyzed in box 610 which canhappen on the mobile application or the remote server as previouslydescribed. The vital information can then be displayed to a user througha graphical user interface on the mobile application and/or some sort ofheads up display like a helmet as shown schematically at box 640. Theanalyzed data can further be transmitted and displayed to a third partylike a field safety officer or other medical professional as shown atbox 620. The analyzed data can then be pushed to a remote server like acloud server for further review or analysis as shown at box 530.

The following Tables 1-5 provide example data for dimensions andproperties for an exemplary device and its component:

TABLE 1 Device Physical Specs: Cylindrical: Dimensions 53 mm diameter,20 mm height Weight Approximately 100 grams Memory Practically Unlimiteddue to real-time transmission to mobile phone memory Power Supply Li—PoBattery: 3.7 V, 300 mAh Battery 100 hours operational, rechargeableBattery Life Data Upload BLUETOOTH Low Energy Software Interface Variousmobile and web-based platforms

TABLE 2 ECG Sensing ECG Channel Single Channel Frequency Response 0.5 Hzto 40 Hz A/D Sampling Rate 300 samples/second Resolution 16 bitElectrodes Integrated into device Skin Contact Any part of the finger(left to right) Material Silver

TABLE 3 Pulse Oximetry SpO2 Type Reflective Frequency Response 0.5 Hz to40 Hz A/D Sampling Rate 20 samples/second Resolution 16 bit SpO2 sensorIntegrated into device Skin Contact Any finger, typically right indexfinger Material Acrylic Glass

TABLE 4 Temperature Sensor Temperature Sensor Type IR Temperature SensorA/D Sampling Rate 1 samples/second Resolution 16 bit Temperature sensorIntegrated into device Skin Contact Contactless. Pointed towards thefinger. Material Acrylic Glass

TABLE 5 Battery Standard Capacity 300 mAh Standard Voltage 3.7 V ChargeVoltage 4.20 +/− 0.03 V Charge Time About 3 hours Discharge CutoffVoltage 3.0 V Physical Specs: 6.5 mm thickness, 20 mm width, Dimensions30 mm length Weight 6.8 grams Connector and PCM Protect circuit moduleboard(PCM) inside, with red(+) and black(−) wire lead out.

The foregoing disclosure has been illustrated and described inaccordance with the relevant legal standards, it is not intended thatthese examples illustrate and describe all possible forms of the presentdisclosure, thus the description is exemplary rather than limiting innature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed examples maybecome apparent to those skilled in the art and fall within the scope ofthe present disclosure. Additionally, the features and variousimplementing examples may be combined to form further examples of thepresent disclosure.

1. A vital monitoring device comprising: (a) a control unit enclosed ina housing, the control unit including a microprocessor provided on acircuit board having a plurality of channels for receiving andprocessing sensor data, each of the plurality of channels coupled to themicroprocessor; (b) a plurality of sensors coupled to the control unitand operable for obtaining at least three vitals from a user includingpulse oximetry, electrocardiogram (ECG), and skin temperature, whereineach of the plurality of sensors is coupled to at least one of theplurality of channels and operable for generating signals indicative ofthe obtained vitals; and (c) a wireless communication module coupled tothe microprocessor, wherein the wireless communication module is adaptedto transmit vital data obtained by the plurality of sensors to a remoteapplication or remote server.
 2. The vital monitoring device of claim 1,wherein the plurality of sensors include a pulse oximetry sensor, an ECGsensor, and a temperature sensor, and wherein each of the pulse oximetrysensor, ECG sensor, and temperature sensor are electronically coupled toa separate and distinct channel formed on the circuit board.
 3. Thevital monitoring device of claim 2, wherein the plurality of sensors areeach accessible on the exterior surface of the housing at separatesensor locations including a first finger depression sized and shaped toreceive a first finger of the user, a second finger depression sized andshaped to receive a second finger of the user, and a third fingerplacement location sized and shaped to receive a third finger of theuser.
 4. The vital monitoring device of claim 3, wherein the temperaturesensor and a first electrode coupled to the ECG sensor are exposed andpositioned within the first finger depression and a second electrodecoupled to the ECG sensor is exposed and positioned within the thirdfinger depression, and the pulse oximetry sensor is exposed andpositioned within the second finger depression.
 5. The vital monitoringdevice of claim 4, wherein vital data of a user is obtainable by placingtwo fingers from one hand into the first and second finger depressionsand a third finger from an opposite hand into the third fingerdepression.
 6. The vital monitoring device of claim 1, wherein thewireless communication module is operable to communicate with a mobiledevice selected from the group consisting of a smart phone, a tablet, asmart watch, a laptop, a computer, and combinations thereof.
 7. Thevital monitoring device of claim 6, wherein the wireless communicationmodule is operable to communicate with a mobile application hosted onthe mobile device, wherein the mobile application is operable toprocess, display, track, and communicate vital data obtained by thecontrol unit.
 8. A system for vital monitoring of a user, the systemcomprising: (a) a vital monitoring device comprising: (i) a control unitenclosed in a housing, the control unit including a microprocessorprovided on a circuit board having a plurality of channels for receivingand processing sensor data, each of the plurality of channels coupled tothe microprocessor; (ii) a plurality of sensors coupled to the controlunit and operable for obtaining at least three vitals from a userincluding pulse oximetry, electrocardiogram (ECG), and skin temperature,wherein each of the plurality of sensors is coupled to at least one ofthe plurality of channels and operable for generating signals indicativeof the obtained vitals; and (iii) a wireless communication modulecoupled to the microprocessor, wherein the wireless communication moduleis adapted to transmit vital data obtained by the plurality of sensors;(b) a remote application hosted on a remote device operable forwirelessly communicating with the vital monitoring device and receivingthe vital data transmitted by the wireless communication module; and (c)a graphical user interface provided on the remote application andadapted to display vital data obtained by the vital monitoring device.9. The system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of sensors are eachaccessible on the exterior surface of the housing at separate sensorlocations including a first finger depression sized and shaped toreceive a first finger of the user, a second finger depression sized andshaped to receive a second finger of the user, and a third fingerplacement location sized and shaped to receive a third finger of theuser.
 10. The system of claim 8, wherein the mobile application isoperable to process, display, track, and communicate vital data obtainedby the control unit.
 11. The system of claim 8, wherein the mobileapplication is operable to diagnose a cardiac condition selected fromthe group consisting of arrhythmia detection, hyperkalemia,hypercalcemia, Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome, long QT syndrome, short QTsyndrome, Torsades de Pointes, and combinations thereof.
 12. The systemof claim 8, further comprising a machine learning feature incorporatedinto the mobile application that is adapted to determine risk conditionsof the user associated with tracking and storing vital data from theuser.
 13. The system of claim 8, wherein the vital monitoring deviceincludes a wearable component operable to contact a skin of a user andbe worn during operation.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the vitalmonitoring device is adapted to monitor vital data of the user andprovide an indication to the user, wherein the indication stimulates theuser of a preset condition of the user based on the vital data.
 15. Thesystem of claim 14, wherein the preset condition includes a high-riskcondition associated with the vital data of the user.
 16. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the indication is an stimulus selected from anauditory signal, a visual signal, and a tactile feedback.
 17. The systemof claim 14, further including a visual display operable to show theuser vital data obtained by the vital monitoring device external to themobile application.
 18. The system of claim 15, wherein the visualdisplay is provided in a head gear worn by a user.
 19. The system ofclaim 8, wherein the vital data obtained by the vital monitoring deviceis provided to a third party through a mobile device or application andwherein the third party is provided access to one or more users using avital monitoring device.
 20. A method of monitoring vital data of anindividual, the method comprising: (a) placing the vital monitoringdevice of claim 1 in contact with a body of the individual; (b)obtaining pulse oximetry, ECG, and temperature vital data of the userusing the vital monitoring device; (c) transmitting the vital data to amobile application through the wireless communication module; (d)graphically displaying the vital information to the user through theremote application; and (d) optionally transmitting vital monitoringdata to a remote server.